*
banner

Black Dahlia murder inspires A4 success

Cornish composer Daniel Hall's investigation into the psychological make up of the unknown killer in the infamous 'Black Dahlia' case brings him A4 Brass Quartet composition success.

Dahlia
  The infamous 1947 murder still retains a strong hold on the imagination in America

A musical retelling of one of the most gruesome murders in post war America history has won the inaugural A4 Brass Quartet composition competition.

Daniel Hall's sinister take on the infamous 'Black Dahlia' case — the unresolved 1947 murder of 22 year old aspiring actress Elizabeth Short (above) in Los Angeles, claimed the £350 first prize against a strong field of entries from all around the globe.

Unknown killer

The gifted young Cornish composer was inspired by the tale after playing a video game called 'LA Noire' at his girlfriend's house, and wanting to try and recreate the thoughts and actions of the unknown killer as he commits and lives with the immediate aftermath of his crime.

"Yes — it's light-hearted stuff,"he laughed nervously as he told 4BR about the four and half minute work. "It's a terrible tale, but it has also inspired so many books and films.

It's a very disturbing story that still captures the imagination, so I thought I would try to create a short retelling from the killer's perspective. Knowing the talents of the quartet it's very difficult — but I hope they enjoy the challenge of trying to resolve my take on the case!"

Worldwide response

The competition was judged in partnership with David Horne, the renowned composer and head of the RNCM's International Artist Diploma (a scheme which the A4 Brass Quartet currently fly the flag for), and euphonium virtuoso, conductor and Head of Brass Band Studies, Dr David Thornton.

Coincidentally, this is the second time Daniel has found competitive success in writing for the group, after winning the 2016 John Golland Trust Composition Award at the RNCM Festival of Brass with a work entitled 'The Rite of Marie Laveua', in which entrants were asked to compose works for the quartet.

In keeping with the international scope of the competition, the runner-up prize went to Jared McCunnie, a talented young Australian composer and tuba player currently enjoying his time at Salford University, with a melancholic take on current world affairs entitled 'Just Cause'.

It's a story that still captures the imagination, so I thought I would try to create a short retelling from the killer's perspectiveComposer, Daniel Hall

Fantasy winner

With both prize-winners both under the age of 24, the separate under-24 prize designed to encourage a new generation of writers to take up writing for brass instruments went to Toby Carswell, a composition student at Trinity College, London for a characteristic work simply entitled 'Fantasy'.

All of the award winning works will be performed by the group in concerts across their 2018/2019 season, and also will be recorded by the group later in the year.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


British Open

British Open countdown: 50 days to go

July 18 • There are now fewer than 140 premium tickets to be snapped up for the 171st British Open.


Williams

More milestones to achieve for Williams duo

July 18 • New musical avenues will be marked by yet more milestones for Glyn and Helen Williams.


Olav Skar

New Nordic President at coop

July 18 • Olav M Skar has reconnected with the cooperation band in his new role as Band President.


Tongan

Life changing opportunity for Tongan youth

July 18 • The first Tongan Youth Band course is looking for support to help give musical youngsters a life changing opportunity.


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Rushden Town Band

July 18 • Second Trombone vacancy. A friendly Midlands 1st Section Band, Rushden are looking for a Second Trombone player to come and join us. Great repertoire and concerts plus contests twice per year. Every other year, the band goes on tour.


Welwyn Garden City Band

July 18 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Bedford Town Band

July 18 • Bedford Town Band have vacancies for 1st trombone, 1st horn, EEb and BBb bass. We have several concerts and Wychavon contest in the Autumn. In the last few years the band won the Butlins 2nd section , been promoted to 1st section then 3rd at Wychavon


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd